The moat-side area of Chidorigafuchi, near the Imperial Palace, is one of Tokyo’s best-known cherry blossom spots. When the trees are in full bloom, their reflections spread across the water, creating another world that feels slightly removed from reality.

A gentle breeze ripples the surface. With every movement of the water, the reflected blossoms subtly change their form.

As I watched this scene, I suddenly felt that perhaps the water was reflecting not only the cherry blossoms, but also my own inner world.

At times it is still; at other times, ripples appear.

Perhaps water is a mirror that reflects the subtle fluctuations of our inner selves.